WILMINGTON, N.Y. --- January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. More than 160 ski resorts around the country, to include Whiteface Mountain, in Wilmington, N.Y., will try to set a record for the Largest Ski and the Largest Snowboard Lesson. The Guinness Book of World Records attempt - the “unofficial” kick off for LSSM - takes place Friday, Jan. 8.

“We invite anyone age 13 and over to be a part of breaking a Guinness world record by taking a free Learn to Ski or Learn to Snowboard Lesson at Whiteface,” said mountain manager, Aaron Kellett. “We have programs to get people on the snow and loving it.”

The first 25 people who register receive a free beginner lesson package, valued at $129, which includes rental equipment, a first-timer lesson and a beginner's area lift ticket. Reservations for Friday are required by calling Whiteface at 518-946-2223 ext. 328.

“Make plans to be at Whiteface by 9 a.m., the record breaking lesson starts at 10 a.m.,” noted Kellett.

Anytime during the winter, those interested in learning how to ski or ride will find programming at Whiteface specifically designed for varying ages and abilities. At only $169 for three days of lift tickets, lessons, and rentals, Parallel from the Start and Learn to Snowboard is the best bet for those age 13 and over to learn how to ski or ride at the Olympic mountain. Parallel from the Start, Whiteface’s trademarked program, utilizes familiar movements and skis designed with beginners in mind, allowing everyone to feel comfortable from the very first minute on snow. In fact, it guarantees to get you to the top off Little Whiteface after only three lessons.”

For the little ones, Whiteface has Play and Ski and Junior Adventure programs which can be taken for half or full day, the full day including lunch. These are fully interactive programs, not only teaching kids age 12 and under how to ski or ride, but also shows them the love for being outdoors and exploring the mountain.

After an unseasonably warm November and December, colder temperatures have settled in for January. More snow too, and more trails are opening every day. Today there’s skiing and riding on 26 trails on a 12-inch packed powder, loose granular base.

On Wednesday, Ski or Ride Whiteface for only $48. Just present any Coca-Cola product at the mountain’s ticket window and get a lift ticket for only $48.  Offer valid on any non-holiday Wednesdays through closing April 2016.  Limit one ticket per coke product.  Not valid with any other offers, programs, promotions, discounts, or frequent skier products.

Photos of the 2015-’16 skiing and riding season at Whiteface Mountain can be found HERE. Photos courtesy of ORDA/Whiteface Lake Placid.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.